Must-Do NOLA: Historic Steamboat Natchez River Jazz Cruise
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Board your riverboat to the delightful tunes of the Steam Calliope. Experience the sights and sounds of river life that enchanted characters of history and literature - like Mark Twain's Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer - and see the bustling activity of America's second-largest port! The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, enjoying traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and all the beautiful New Orleans sites, while also exploring the newly renovated riverboat. Make sure you check out all four decks - the top deck view is a sight to see! Lunch option available Monday - Saturday. Brunch option available Sunday only. The boat boards at 11:00am and 2:00pm and departs promptly at 11:30am and 2:30pm. We recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to boarding.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
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Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
Jean_N, 10/22/2025 8:50:24 PM
I was expecting the tour to include learning about the ships at the mouth of the Mississippi waiting for clearance to dock and more about the shipping industry. In reality, it was more of a marketing event for the NOLA Chamber of Commerce. We did not purchase the buffet meal, but my drink was tasty. Overall the tour was pleasant enough, but not what I was expecting. I’m also sad that the Natchez was not available abd we were only notified of the substitute vessel at the last minute, although the Natchez commitment would have been planned well in advance.
Cheryl D, 10/22/2025 11:01:11 AM
We sat outside on the second level. The first half of the trip is commentary and it was very hard to hear. Not very much to see either. I felt that it was too long. On the way back they start playing the music which was mediocre. I honestly couldn’t wait to get off.
William_S, 10/21/2025 10:30:03 AM
The weather was beautiful and the views were great. The narration and music added to a wonderful time!
Sandra_C, 10/20/2025 11:06:28 PM
After a hectic weekend, a Monday cruise on the river was just what we needed. The historical narrative was interesting, the drinks andsnacks were good, and the band played authentic Nola jazz.
zoshaf, 10/19/2025 10:30:16 PM
This was a fun experience! Plenty of room on board to find a good spot to sit. The food and drinks were delicious, and the jazz was fun. It was a great way to relax and learn a little bit ore about the city. The staff were also friendly.
Debbie_C, 10/19/2025 10:54:55 AM
Very relaxing and informative ride! Plus the food, the captain, the pilot of the boat, and all of the staff were wonderful!
Ioanna_P, 10/19/2025 10:44:30 AM
This boat was very crowded with an extremely long line to board. It departed late and arrived back at port almost half an hour after the time stated in the activity description, causing us to curtail other plans and rush to the airport for our flight. The food was mediocre and expensive. While you wait in line, a pipe organ plays to entertain people waiting to board. It is a good idea and would be a nice touch except that it’s so loud that almost everyone waiting had to cover their ears because it hurt to listen. Similarly, the speakers on board were all extremely loud, and it was hard to pay attention to the substance of the tour commentary because the sound was so aggressive. I left the tour with a headache. If you’re considering a boat tour, maybe hold out for something smaller and less intense.
MacleodB54, 10/19/2025 7:07:49 AM
Great trip, very interesting. Commentary given on the way down river. A live jazz band plays on one of the decks, who were very good. Plenty of room both inside and out, maybe fuller at peak times. We chose to have the lunch, which was good. Catfish, jambalaya, beans and rice. The New Orleans bread and butter pudding was very tasty. Would recommend this trip.
Cynthia_C, 10/18/2025 8:14:44 PM
This was a nice get away and the food was good. The parking was expensive, if you go have someone drop you off.
Gloria_D, 10/18/2025 7:51:51 PM
It was such a nice activity to do during the day. We had a nice meal for lunch and beautiful views. The locals told our other friends it wasn’t worth it so they didn’t join us, but my group found it enjoyable. We had a good time and a decent meal (we knew it wasn’t going to be like the restaurants everyone talked about about, but the food was good enough)
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- In order to help preserve the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point - just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.
- The Steamboat NATCHEZ is handclapped accessible to the main deck and restrooms only.
- Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat.
- The tour cruises rain or shine, however the cruise may be cancelled due to severe or dangerous weather conditions.
- Anyone looking to book a group of 9 or more should contact the booking site directly. Different rates apply.
- Should the Steamboat NATCHEZ need to take time off, her sister vessel will be taking her place. You'll get the same authentic experience of a grand paddlewheeler on a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi.
Departure point
Departs from the Gray Line Lighthouse Ticket Office at Toulouse St. and the Mississippi River, just one block from Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Please arrive 15 minutes before boarding.Return details
Board your riverboat to the delightful tunes of the Steam Calliope. Experience the sights and sounds of river life that enchanted characters of history and literature - like Mark Twain's Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer - and see the bustling activity of America's second-largest port! The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will be taking her place. You’ll get the same authentic riverboat experience of a leisurely, two-hour cruise on the mighty Mississippi, enjoying traditional live jazz, craft cocktails, and all the beautiful New Orleans sites, while also exploring the newly renovated riverboat. Make sure you check out all four decks - the top deck view is a sight to see! Lunch option available Monday - Saturday. Brunch option available Sunday only. The boat boards at 11:00am and 2:00pm and departs promptly at 11:30am and 2:30pm. We recommend arriving 15 minutes prior to boarding.Redemption
• Please make sure that if you intend on participating in the Creole lunch portion of this tour, you must select the option that states it is "with lunch". • Owner reserve the right to substitute a similar vessel should the NATCHEZ become unavailable. •Steamboat NATCHEZ will be out of service for her yearly Coast Guard inspections and general maintenance. All cruises during this time will take place on her sister vessel - the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS. Tour cruises rain or shine24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund